Canine parvovirus is a devastating disease that is preventable
What is Canine Parvovirus?
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and resilient virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of dogs. The virus spreads through ingestion of infected fecal matter, either directly or through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or fomites. Infected dogs show clinical signs of the disease within 2 to 14 days of infection. Clinical signs include inappetence, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Treatment commonly involves fluid therapy, intravenous antibiotics, antiemetics, careful nursing care, and any other required medical assistance.1 Patients being treated for parvovirus infection should be hospitalized in an isolation ward, and all staff who come in contact with patients must wear personal protective equipment to avoid contaminating common areas. With appropriate treatment, nearly 90% of patients recover, but without treatment, the survival rate is less than 10%.2
Which Species are Affected?
Canine parvovirus affects only canids. Some evidence suggests that specific dog breeds are at increased risk for canine parvovirus enteritis (hereafter called parvovirus infection), including German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, Rottweilers, and American pit bull terriers.3 Parvovirus strains genetically similar to canine parvovirus may affect other species, including but not limited to skunks, pumas, and raccoons.4 Although younger dogs are most commonly affected, all unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs are at risk for infection.
